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15 Easy Steps to Maintaining Your New Kitchen

Posted October 14, 2024

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Your new kitchen looks fantastic, and naturally, you’ll want to keep it that way for as long as possible. Regular care and maintenance not only help preserve its beauty but also ensure that everything functions smoothly. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to maintaining your new kitchen, ensuring it stays as good as new.

1. Clean as You Go

One of the simplest ways to keep your kitchen in top shape is by cleaning as you go. Wipe down worktops, splashbacks, and hobs after each meal to prevent spills and grime from building up. Doing this immediately makes cleaning less of a hassle and keeps your surfaces looking spotless.

2. Use Gentle Cleaners and a Soft Cloth on Worktops

Depending on your worktop material, harsh cleaners can cause damage over time. Stick to mild, non-abrasive cleaners like soapy warm water for regular upkeep. If you’ve got stone or quartz worktops, use a pH-balanced cleaner to prevent dulling or discolouration. Always check your manufacturer’s guidelines for specific cleaning products.

3. Protect Your Surfaces from Hot Pans and Scratches

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Hot pots and pans can damage worktops and other surfaces. It is crucial not to place hot pans directly on surfaces to prevent damage. Use trivets or heat-resistant mats for pots and pans, and always chop food on a chopping board. These small habits will prevent burns, scratches, and stains from damaging your kitchen over time.

4. Maintain Your Sink and Taps

Your sink is one of the most frequently used areas in the kitchen, so it needs extra attention. Clean it regularly to avoid the build-up of limescale and soap scum. For stainless steel sinks, use a non-abrasive cleaner to maintain shine. Don’t forget to wipe down your taps and handles to prevent water spots and residue from collecting.

5. Check Your Stainless Steel Appliances Regularly

Your kitchen appliances are the workhorses of your space. Keep an eye on them and clean them regularly to ensure they work efficiently. For example:

  • Wipe down your oven door and racks after use to prevent grease build-up.
  • Clean your fridge shelves and ensure the seals are working properly.
  • Remove food crumbs from your toaster and microwave to avoid fire hazards.
  • Clean and maintain your stainless steel appliances to prevent scratches and residue build-up. Use specific cleaners to keep them looking their best.

6. Clean the Hob and Oven

The hob and oven are notorious for accumulating grime, especially after a big meal. Make it a habit to wipe down your hob after each use and give your oven a more thorough clean every few months. For baked-on food, use a non-abrasive cleaner and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away.

7. Ventilation is Key

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Your kitchen’s ventilation system plays a big role in keeping it clean. Grease and steam can collect on walls, cabinets, and surfaces, leading to grime build-up over time. Clean your extractor fan filters regularly to ensure your ventilation system is working efficiently, and don’t forget to wipe down the exterior of the fan, too.

8. Keep Cabinet Doors and Drawers Tidy

It’s easy for kitchen cabinets, cabinet doors, and drawers to become cluttered. To avoid this, organise them and keep only what you need in the kitchen. Maintaining kitchen cabinetry is crucial to keeping the kitchen looking fresh. Wipe down the interior of cabinets and drawers every few months to remove crumbs and spills. This simple step helps prevent pests and keeps your storage spaces neat.

9. Polish Your Handles and Knobs

Brass kitchen handles

Handles and knobs on your cabinets can become sticky or grimy from daily use. Wipe them down regularly with a damp cloth. This small detail can make a big difference in maintaining the overall look of your kitchen.

10. Seal Grout and Tiles

If your kitchen has ceramic tiles, tiled floors, or a tiled splashback, maintaining the grout is key. For stubborn stains in grout, consider using a baking soda and vinegar solution. Grout can become stained over time, so clean it with a mild cleaner and scrub it with a small brush and warm soapy water. You can also seal the grout once a year to protect it from stains and moisture damage.

11. Keep Your Dishwasher Clean

While your dishwasher cleans your dishes, it also needs to be cleaned. Regularly remove any food particles that accumulate in the filter and run an empty cycle with a dishwasher cleaner to keep it running smoothly. A clean dishwasher means cleaner dishes and a fresher kitchen.

12. Look After Your Flooring

Kitchen floors take a lot of foot traffic and are prone to spills. Vinyl flooring is a durable and cost-effective option for kitchens, offering a variety of styles and easy maintenance. Regular sweeping and mopping will keep them looking fresh. For wooden floors, avoid too much water, as it can cause warping. Use a cleaner that’s appropriate for your flooring type, whether it’s tile, laminate, or wood.

13. Avoid Water Damage

Water around cabinetry and flooring can quickly ruin your kitchen, particularly around the sink and dishwasher. Make sure there are no leaks, and dry up any spills immediately to avoid damage to your cabinets or flooring.  When cleaning, ensure minimal water is used, and wipe up any remaining water when cleaning is finished. It’s a simple task but goes a long way in preventing long-term issues.

14. Don’t Forget the Light Fixtures

Underbench lighting

Light fixtures in the kitchen can collect grease and dust. Wipe them down every so often to keep them clean and bright. If you’ve got recessed lighting, ensure they’re dust-free, and check for any burnt-out bulbs that need replacing.

15. Plan seasonal cleans

Lastly, make sure to plan regular cleans, and while you are at it, check for loose hardware and fittings; empty and clean out cabinets. Check appliance instruction manuals and see if any routine maintenance is needed. A little bit of maintenance now can prevent bigger problems later.

Keep Your Kitchen Looking New for Years to Come

Sticking to these 15 easy maintenance steps will keep your kitchen in top-notch condition without too much effort. A clean, well-maintained kitchen not only looks amazing but also ensures everything runs smoothly. So, make these habits part of your routine, and enjoy your beautiful kitchen for years to come!

With Ezy Kitchens, you can maintain your kitchen looks as new. Enquire today to take the first step towards making your new kitchen a place that fits your style and makes your kitchen space more enjoyable.

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